Primary finding
Probable cause
A power loss due to engine driven fuel pump failure. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
While entering downwind for a second touch-and-go landing, the engine lost power and would not restart. A forced landing was conducted with initial touchdown across a taxiway/runway exit at 90 degrees to the runway. Ground roll ended in a ditch. Examination of the engine by an FAA inspector revealed that the engine driven fuel pump was nonfunctional.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 16, 1994, at 0815 mountain daylight time, a Cessna T210N, N199CH, suffered an engine failure while in the pattern at Santa Teresa Airport, New Mexico. During the ensuing forced landing, on a taxiway, the aircraft went off the taxiway onto unprepared terrain and incurred substantial damage. The pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for this local flight. According to the pilot, he had completed one touch-and-go and was entering down wind for runway 28 when the engine ceased to operate. Attempts at a restart were unsuccessful and a forced landing was conducted at 90 degrees to the runway/taxiway with initial touchdown on a runway exit. Ground roll was across the runway, a grass area, and into a ditch which was approximately 60 feet wide and 5 feet deep. According to the FAA inspector who examined the aircraft, the engine driven fuel pump would not pump fuel during his examination. -